375 Ruger

[seajay]

I am thinking of chambering the 375 Ruger in a rem 700 LA with a Krieger #6 with 26" length. Has anyone tried this with a standard reamer? What are the neck wall variations with the Horn. brass? Thought I might order a reamer from Pacific and have little tighter neck and be able to cleanup the necks on the new brass. Any ideas?


Seajay

 

[alf]

I did one on a 700 with a #6 Brux barrel a couple of years ago. PT&G had a standard reamer in stock so I went with it, and can't find a thing wrong with it. I've shot most all bullets between 250 and 300 grains, and no issues with throating.

While I don't mind neck turning for accuracy, I don't see the need here. Brass varies between .115 to .145 at the worst on the once fired I just measured. Most seem to average .013-.0135. Turning may hinder neck tension needed for the recoil, without going to custom dies. Overall, the Hornady brass is pretty damn good, and tough besides.

My best loads are with H-4350 and the Hornady 270 spitzer. It'll put some varmint guns to shame......

 

[wboggs]

What do you intend to use the .375 Ruger for? The African PH's are not all that impressed with the fast .375s over the standard version. They favor the heavy 350 gr. bullets at a slower velocity if you want to increase the effectiveness of the .375.
One thing that does increase the penetration is a faster twist. Of course, if you want the rifle for long range US hunting, the fast .375 is going to be superior.
I used a .378 WBY during the 60's but we didn't have the good longe range bullets then. You Ruger will tear a conventional bullet to shreads at short range and be sure to use Premium bullets if you want any penetration for close shots.
Let us know how your load development goes and good hunting.
Bill

 

[seajay]

Thanks for the input guys. I am glad to hear that the brass is good. One day I will end up on Kodiak Island or on the chain looking for a 10 footer. This should also work good on a bull moose. This is going to be a winter project so I will keep you informed on load developement this spring.
Seajay

 

[wboggs]

Look very carefully at the Barnes X bullets for your moose and bear loads. They have been superior for myself and hunting buddies.
These animals need penetration and shot placement above all else and are not impressed by foot pounds of energy. Be wary of the large amount of misinformation out there.
Thanks for keeping us posted. It is always interesting to read about load development in cartridges for large game.

 

[seajay]

Bill,
Finally got out to do some testing with the 375 Ruger. The best load so far is the 300 Sierra BT. At 2534 fps the 3 shot group was .538". At 2672fps the group opened up to .930". This was with H4350 and CCI 250. The 300 Accubond shot best at 2696fps with a group just under 1". With this case and a 26" barrel it is not hard to get some speed. I think the next test will be with a Partition or the Swift A frame.

Seajay

 

[wboggs]

Seajay Test your loads for penetration and pick the most accurate one giving the best penetration, especially for Africa. For thin skin game such as elk or moose, penetration is not as important. Check out the Barnes. It has been the best for me and is the best game killer I have ever seen.
Bill